Set of cards for game playing and related method

ABSTRACT

Packaged sets of games cards that can be used in playing a card games, a board game with counters or a role playing game have printed on the cards the identification of a character/creature type; a base point value of the character/creature type; a base number of life units for the character/creature; a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for a plurality of attributes; a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and a place for receiving an added indication of the total point value of the character/creature. The total point value is equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancements.

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/922,814, filed Aug. 18, 2004, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a set of cards used in playing a game, andto a method for using the cards in playing a game. Unlike many priorgames, the cards of the present application can be used in differentmodes, including as a conventional card game, a role-playing game, andas a game with games pieces.

The art relating to playing cards and card games discloses a widevariety of games as well as the types of cards used to play them. Adescription of several such games is provided by Hennessey (U.S. Pat.No. 6,017,034). The most well known of these are the card games playedusing the so-called “standard” playing card deck of 52 cards, whereinthe generic nature of the deck allows it to be used in the play of manydifferent games, each having different rules and different definitionsof “victory.” Since the cards themselves have fairly limited and simplefeatures, the complexity and inherent interest of each game playeddepends on the nature of its rules and the skills of the participants.

More recently, a new genre of card game has appeared, the fantasy,adventure and role-playing type multi-participant card game. The gametakes the form of a competition, wherein the card characters held by oneof the participants and selected from that participants deck attempt todefeat the card characters held by the other participants that wereselected from their respective decks using strategies and tactics inaccord with the rules of the game. In general, the goal of eachparticipant is to use the various powers of his cards to reduce the“energy” or “life force” of the other participants to a point where theymust leave the game. In order to denote characters with particularqualities, powers and strengths, these games provide playing cards witha rich set of features and appearances, including among them symbolismand complex artistic renderings. As the game proceeds, the qualities andstrengths possessed by the card characters of each player may be allowedto change as a result of other cards held by the player, the outcomes ofvarious encounters with card characters held by other participants inthe game and various other game circumstances. The qualities of acharacter generally define and circumscribe the actions that thecharacter is permitted to take, while its strengths generally indicatethe outcomes of encounters between that character and other characters.Also distinguishing such games from the standard card games is the factthat the deck is not fixed in terms of the number of card types it maycontain. Players may be allowed to accumulate additional cards as aresult of game victories, trading or purchase and these additional cardsmay be then be used in the play of the game to strengthen a playersposition or enlarge his playing options. The “collectible” aspect of thecards used in these games derives from the advantages that accrue to theparticipant who possesses them, as well as the intrinsic artistic meritof the cards and their rarity. An example of this type of game isprovided by Garfield (U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,332).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,508 of Tavel discloses collectible cards and amulti-participant competitive turn-based game played therewith. The gamecharacters are drawn from a story and certain properties of the gamecards are activated by the participant in accordance with an algebraicequation, providing, thereby, a literary and mathematical learningexperience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a packaged set of cards for a game, saidset of cards comprising a plurality of cards each card having printedthereon:

(a) the identification of a character/creature type;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for aplurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one ormore of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point valueof the character/creature, said total point value being equal to thebase point value plus the point costs for any enhancement. Each card inthe set may be a single sheet, or it may be composed of a plurality ofjoined or joinable sub-sheets.

The plurality of cards in a set including cards for at least twocharacter/creature types, and the set of cards is packaged in anenclosure effective to maintain the set in a group prior to use.

The invention also provides a method for using the set of cards forplaying a multi-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two ormore players using game cards. This method comprises the steps of:

providing each player with a deck of game cards, each deck comprising aplurality of cards each card having printed thereon:

(a) the identification of a character/creature type;

(b) a base point value of the character/creature type;

(c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;

(d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type for aplurality of attributes;

(e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one ormore of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and

(f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point valueof the character/creature, said total point value being equal to thebase point value plus the point costs for any enhancement. Each deckincludes cards for at least two character/creature types, and each deckhas a total base point value. Enhancements are assigned by the player toone or more cards in his/her deck based upon a pre-defined set ofenhancements and costs and recording the enhancements on each enhancedcard, such that the total point value for each deck is the samefollowing assignment of enhancements. A first player is player and thecards or counters representative of the cards of the first player areplaced on a game surface representative of a game environment in aninitial position. Thereafter, each subsequent player places his or hercards or counters representative of those cards on the game surface ininitial positions. The players then take turns, moving the cards orcounters within the game environment in a series of turns until anend-of-game determination, said moves creating in some cases conflictsituations, where the extent of the movement and the resolution of theconflict situations are determined by the enhanced attributes of eachcard. A loss of a conflict situation causes a reduction in the lifepoints of a card, and if no life points remain in a card being removedform the game. At the end of the game, the total points remaining toeach player are counted, the winner of the game is determined based atleast in part on the total points remaining.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a card of a first type that is include in a set of cards inaccordance with the invention.

FIGS. 2A-C show a card of a second type in which the card consists of aplurality of joined or joinable sub-sheets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, relates to a packaged set of cards for use inplaying a game. The following definitions of terms are relevant to thisinvention.

“Set of cards for a game” refers to a group of two or more cards whichalone or in combination with other sets of cards are sufficient forplaying a game. A “set of cards” may be either a deck containing asufficient number of cards for playing a game (for example, a starterpack of cards) or it may be a smaller number of cards that is used toadd additional variability to a starter pack (for example an expansionset of cards).

“Card” refers to a sheet having information printed thereon. The cardmay be formed from paper, plastic, wood or combinations thereof. Thecard may be intended for single use, or it may be reusable. For example,in one embodiment of the invention, the cards are coated with anerasable plastic coating such that markings applied to the card duringone game can be removed so that the card can be reused for subsequentgames. The card may be in the form of a single sheet, as in aconventional playing card, or it may be in form of a plurality ofsub-sheets which taken serve the functions of a single card for purposesof game play.

The set of cards of the invention include cards associated withcharacter/creature types. The scope of character/creature types dependson the nature of the game to be played. For example, in a fantasyrole-playing game, the characters/creatures may include wizards, elves,dragons, orcs, trolls, thieves, warriors and the like. In a realisticwar game, the characters creatures might include infantry units, tankunits, generals, military police and the like. Thus, the specific natureof the characters/creatures is not essential to the invention, providedthat the set of cards include characters/creatures of different types.

Each card in the set of cards has printed upon it a base point value forthe character/creature type. The base point value is a numerical valuethat is assigned to the character/creature in the absence ofenhancement. Base point values for stronger creatures/characters willgenerally be higher, assuming that conflict resolution is based ongreater success for the cards with the higher point value. The reverseapproach could also be employed.

Each card in the set of cards also has printed upon it a base number oflife units for the character/creature. This represents the amount ofinjury that a character/creature can sustain before the card must beremoved from the game. In preferred embodiments, the card includes ascale or list that is annotated on the card during play to show the lossof life to the character/creature represented by the card.

Each card in the set of cards also has printed upon it a base set ofstatistics for the character/creature type for a plurality ofattributes. These attributes will be consistent with the type ofcharacter/creature that the card represents. For example, for a wizard,an attribute might be spell casting ability, while for a dragon anattribute might be the ability to breathe fire. The base set ofstatistics reflects the abilities in each of several attributes prior toany enhancements.

Each card in the set has printed thereon a space for receiving addedindications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and thepoint cost for each enhancement. For example, a card for a wizard may beenhanced to increase spell-casting ability.

Each card in the set has printed thereon a place for receiving an addedindication of the total point value of the character/creature. Thistotal point value is equal to the base point value plus the point costsfor any enhancements added to the character/creature card.

The plurality of cards in a set includes cards for at least twocharacter/creature types. The set of cards is packaged in an enclosureeffective to maintain the set in a group prior to use, and optionallywhen not in use. Examples of packing enclosures include, withoutlimitation, plastic over-wraps, paper, plastic or wood boxes, envelopes,and rubber bands or similar straps.

FIG. 1 shows an example of one card of a set of cards in accordance withthe invention. The card includes an indication 11 of the type ofcharacter/creature, a listing 12 of numbers to keep track of lifepoints, base statistics 13 for attributes of the character/creature andan area 14 for listing enhancements and costs. The base point value forthe character/creature 15 and the final point value 16 are also setforth on the card. Adjusted attribute statistics may be set forth in anoptional updated attribute column 17. It will be appreciated that thespecific appearance of the card, including the layout of the variousprinted areas is not critical and is a matter of design choice. Further,particularly where a collectible card is desired and to enhance thegaming experience, the card may include an image of thecharacter/creature.

FIGS. 2A-C show an example of a card in accordance with the inventioncomposed of multiple sub-sheets. The first sub-sheet of the card is atop sub-sheet as shown in FIG. 2A. The top sub-sheet includes anindication 21 of the type of character/creature and may also suitablyincludes an image of the character/creature as indicated by the word“image” 210. The top sub-sheet also includes a listing to keep of lifepoints 22, and base statistics for the character/creature 23. A basepoint value 25 is for the character/creature is also indicated. In thisembodiment of the invention, the enhancements are set forth on one ormore enhancement sub-sheets, of the type show in FIG. 2B.

Each enhancement sub-sheet is provided for an enhancement or group ofenhancements. The enhancement type is indicated by a label 201, and animage 211 indicative of the enhancement can also be provided. A set ofmodifiers 231 associated with the enhancement is provided, along withthe point cost 251 associated with the enhancement.

One top sub-sheet and one or more enhancement sub-sheets are assembledinto a card, suitably in a staggered arrangement as shown in FIG. 2C.The individual sub-sheets can provided already assembled together, forexample using glued edges, or may be joinable at the time of game play.The term “joinable” in this instance means any form of assembly, fromsimply placing a top sub-sheet in combination with one or moresub-sheets in a stack on a game surface, to clipping them together. Thestaggered arrangement as shown in FIG. 2C allows the modifiersassociated with the enhancements applied to a top sub-sheet, and thetotal cost/value of the card can be determined by adding up the valueson the point tabs (25, 251).

The use of joinable enhancement sub-sheets makes available a game formatin which enhancements are dealt to players from a deck, in the samemanner as base characters/creatures reflected in a top sub-sheet. Theplayer then uses strategy to combine the top sub-sheets and theenhancement sub-sheets to provide a force with desired characteristicsfor game play.

In the case of this embodiment in which a plurality of subsheets areused, the a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to oneor more of the attributes need not be a writable space, but is insteadthe edge/back of the top sub-sheet to which additional sub-sheets areappended. Similarly, the top sub-sheet can for convenience include aseparate writable place for receiving an added indication of the totalpoint value of the character/creature, said total point value beingequal to the base point value plus the point costs for any enhancement,or this feature of the invention can be satisfied by the display of thepoint values for the individual sub-sheets which can be added togetheras needed.

The cards of the invention are used in playing a multi-player game,i.e., a game for at least two players. The cards of the invention can beused in any of several game environments, as discussed in more detailbelow. Common to each of these games environments, however, is theaddition of enhancements to cards by the players, such that each playerbegins the game with a deck of cards having the same total point value.Depending on the manner in which the cards are utilized, players mayhave initial decks with equal numbers of cards, or with differentnumbers of cards, provided that the total point value is equal. Thecards thus introduce a level of strategy in the selection ofenhancements to add to achieve this total point level.

Thus, in accordance with the invention, a method for playing amulti-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two or more playersusing game cards is provided. In accordance with this method, eachplayer is provided with an initial deck of game cards each deckcomprising a plurality of cards in accordance with the invention asdescribed above. The initial deck of game cards can be provided bydealing cards to each player from a combined shuffled set of cards, oreach player may supply his or her own set of cards which meets definedcriteria in terms of number of cards, number of base points and thelike. The defined criteria may be agreed upon by the players, defined ina set of rules for a game, or set down as rules for a tournament.

Each player then assigns enhancements to one or more cards in thatplayers initial deck based upon a pre-defined set of enhancements andcosts. The term “pre-defined set of enhancements and costs” indicatesonly that the enhancements that can be added and the costs for suchenhancements are the same for each player. Such enhancements and costscan be defined in by rule books, or lists of supplemental enhancementsand costs. Additional enhancements and the costs for each may be addedby the players, by agreement. The enhancements are recorded on eachenhanced card. Each player may add the enhancements that they choose,with the proviso that the total point value for each initial deck is thesame following assignment of enhancements.

Play proceeds, depending on the format of the game in a generallyturn-wise manner, in which the first player, followed by subsequentplayer, each place the cards or counters representative of the cards ona game surface representative of a game environment in an initialposition. From this initial position, each player, again in a generallyturn-wise manner moves the cards or counters within the game environmentfor a series of turns until an end-of-game determination. The moves insome cases create conflict situations, when cards/counters of differentplayers come into contact with one another. The extent of the movementand the resolution of the conflict situations are determined by theenhanced attributes of each card involved in the conflict situation.Cards from either or both players may loose life points as a result ofthe resolution of the conflict, with a card being removed from the gamewhen the card has lost all of its life points.

At the end-of-game, which can be either after a specified period oftime, by agreement of the players, or when a player has lost somepre-determined percentage of his cards, the total points remaining toeach player at the end-of-game determination are counted. The winner ofthe game is determined based on the total points remaining. It will beappreciated that other factors besides the total points remaining mayalso be taken into account when determining the game winner, for exampleachieving a specific objective within the game environment may also beincluded in the determination of the winner, but that the total pointvalue of the remaining cards should still be included in theconsideration.

Play in Card Game Mode: The cards of the present invention may beutilized in a card game mode. This mode of play is particularly suitablefor new players who are not collectors of cards. In this mode of play,an equal number of cards are dealt to each player from a shuffled deckto provide each player with an un-enhanced initial deck. The total basepoints in each initial deck in counted. Each player may then addenhancement to the cards or cards of their choice such that the totalnumber of final points are the same for each player. Thus, if the targetfinal total is 1000 points, and player one receives initial cards with500 base points, player may add 500 points worth of enhancements. On theother hand, if player two receives initial cards with a base point valueof 550 points, player two may only add 450 points worth of enhancements.

In this case, the game environment is simply a table top onto whichcards are played. Verbal indications are given by the players as to theactions of their cards and conflict situations are resolved.

Game with Personal Decks: This mode of play is similar to the card gamemode, except that each player has a pre-established deck. Game playproceeds as for the card game version.

Game Table with Miniatures: A popular form of gaming involves a gametable with miniatures or other counters deployed on a two or threedimensional map of a game environment. Thus, in this embodiment of themethod of the invention, a gaming table is used. A suitable size is 4foot by 4 foot, but larger tables may be used depending on the spaceavailable, the size of the counters used and the numbers ofcreatures/characters. Terrain identifiers are placed on the game tablebased on the nature of the game. Terrain features may recreate an actuallocation or a fantasy location. Terrain types may include some or all ofthe following: Water, Open, Passable, and Unpassable. As will beapparent to persons skilled in the art, movement through water may belimited to certain types of characters/creatures, movement through openterrain will be easier than movement through passable terrain, andunpassable terrain is just that, unpassable.

Set up areas for staging cards or counters may be provided at the edgeof the playing area, and may extend the length of the table. Startingarmies point values may vary. It will be appreciated that theappropriate number of points will depend on the number of pointsassigned to each card. For example, if an average base value is 20, thenarmies/decks with total point values 300 to 400 points may beappropriate.

Who plays first may be determined in any manner, including roll of thedice, agreement of the players, age of the players etc.

Each player receives a certain number of actions per turn. For example,each player may be permitted 3 actions per two-hundred points of activecards. Additional actions may be permitted if certain types ofcharacters/creatures or certain types of enhancements are present in aplayer's enhanced deck.

Actions that may be taken include movement and attack on other counters.Limitations may be enforced that prevent the same card or counter fromacting for too many consecutive moves in order to simulate rest periods.For example, a counter may move and attack for two consecutive turns.After the second consecutive turn of activity, that figure cannot beused the third turn. It will then be useable after one turn ofinactivity.

If desired in the rules of the game, combat formations, that is groupingof counters may be used. For example, in one embodiment formations of upto six counters may be organized, with movement equal to the fastestcounter in the formation. Increases in attributes such a movement,defense or attack capability, and sharing of enhancements within aformation may be allowed for. Movement of a formation may count as asingle action.

Resolution of combat is determined by comparing the points of theattackers and the defenders. A randomization device, for example two6-sided dice, can be used to introduce luck and other factors on top ofthe base skill and strength factors reflected in the point values. Lifepoints are removed based on the rules for the particular game, andcards/counters are removed from the game when their life points areexhausted.

In order to assess victory, the number of points each player hasremaining is tallied and compared. In addition, other factors, includingthe total points of the opponents counters killed (i.e., removed fromthe game), success in achieving a specified goal on the game board etcmay also be taken into account in determining the winner.

Role Playing Game Mode: The cards of the present may also be used in thecontext of a role-playing game. In a role playing game, each playercontrols the actions of one or more characters in a story or quest. Theplayers make choices in their character persona, and the game proceedsbased on these choices. A game master presents challenges to thecharacters based on the choices made, and in some cases on statisticallikelihoods of certain events occurring within the game. The response ofthe characters, through the choices of the players controlling them,determines whether these challenges are overcome, and the level ofinjury that occurs to each of the characters as a result.

The cards of the present invention provide an ideal method for keepingtrack of the status of each player. In addition, the game master canutilize a deck of cards to represent the challenges that can be posed(i.e., monsters, traps etc). These cards are used when the game designcalls for the presentation of a random challenge, and can be used tokeep track of the condition of a challenge (wounded, inactivated, etc).Thus, if an adversary is wounded in a first encounter, this injury canbe reflected should that adversary be encountered again in the samegame.

Thus, in a role playing environment, the cards provided to each playermay be as few as one (if only a single character is being played) and aseparate deck, with different kinds of characters/creatures, includingperhaps inanimate challenges, is provided to the game master. Cards forrole-playing characters can be maintained from one game to the next,with enhancements retained as they are earned to simulate the gaining ofexperience, and life points restored to simulate the affects of rest andrecuperation.

Thus, in the role playing mode, the invention provides a method ofplaying a role-playing game comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing each player with a game card having printed thereon:        -   (a) an identification of a character/creature type being            role-played by the player;        -   (b) a base point value of the character/creature type;        -   (c) a base number of life units for the character/creature;        -   (d) a base set of statistics for the character/creature type            for a plurality of attributes;        -   (e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement            to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for            each enhancement; and        -   (f) a place for receiving an added indication of the total            point value of the character/creature, said total point            value being equal to the base point value plus the point            costs for any enhancement;    -   providing the game master with a set of challenge cards        reflecting challenges that may be encountered in the role        playing game, each challenge card having printed thereon:        -   (i) an identification of a challenge;        -   (ii) a base point value of the challenge;        -   (iii) a base number of life units for the challenge;        -   (iv) a base set of statistics for the challenge one or more            attributes;        -   (v) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement            to one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for            each enhancement; and        -   (vi) a place for receiving an added indication of the total            point value of the challenge, said total point value being            equal to the base point value plus the point costs for any            enhancement;    -   maintaining a record of the status and the enhancements of the        characters/creatures on the game cards as the game is played;    -   choosing challenges from the set of challenge cards when the        game design calls for a challenge; and    -   recording the status of each challenge chosen on the challenge        cards as the game progresses.

1. A packaged set of cards for a game, said set of cards comprising aplurality of cards each card having printed thereon: (a) theidentification of a character/creature type; (b) a base point value ofthe character/creature type; (c) a base number of life units for thecharacter/creature; (d) a base set of statistics for thecharacter/creature type for a plurality of attributes; (e) a space forreceiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of theattributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and (f) a place forreceiving an added indication of the total point value of thecharacter/creature, said total point value being equal to the base pointvalue plus the point costs for any enhancement; said plurality of cardsin a set including cards for at least two character/creature types, andsaid set of cards being packaged in an enclosure effective to maintainthe set in a group when not in use.
 2. The set of cards of claim 1,wherein the cards have an erasable coating allowing multiple uses. 3.The set of cards claim 2, wherein the enclosure is a box.
 4. The set ofcards of claim 2, wherein the enclosure is a plastic over-wrap.
 5. Theset of cards of claim 1, wherein each card comprises a plurality ofsub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on which the identification of acharacter/creature type; the base point value of the character/creaturetype; the base number of life units for the character/creature; and thebase set of statistics for the character/creature type for a pluralityof attributes, and at least one enhancement sub-sheet on whichindications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and thepoint cost for each enhancement are printed.
 6. The set of cards claim5, wherein the enclosure is a box.
 7. The set of cards of claim 5,wherein the enclosure is a plastic over-wrap.
 8. A method for playing amulti-participant, competitive, turn-based game for two or more playersusing game cards comprising the steps of: providing each player with adeck of game cards, each deck comprising a plurality of cards each cardhaving printed thereon: (a) the identification of a character/creaturetype; (b) a base point value of the character/creature type; (c) a basenumber of life units for the character/creature; (d) a base set ofstatistics for the character/creature type for a plurality ofattributes; (e) a space for receiving added indications of enhancementto one or more of the attributes, and the point cost for eachenhancement; and (f) a place for receiving an added indication of thetotal point value of the character/creature, said total point valuebeing equal to the base point value plus the point costs for anyenhancement; wherein each deck includes cards for at least twocharacter/creature types, and wherein each deck has a total base pointvalue; assigning enhancements to one or more cards in each deck basedupon a pre-defined set of enhancements and costs and recording theenhancements on each enhanced card, wherein the total point value foreach deck is the same following assignment of enhancement, choosing afirst player and placing the cards or counters representative of thecards of the first player on a game surface representative of a gameenvironment in an initial position choosing a subsequent player andplacing the cards or counters representative of the cards of thesubsequent player on a game surface representative of a gameenvironment, for sufficient times that all of the players counters orcards are placed in initial positions for the first and each subsequentplayer moving the cards or counters within the game environment in aseries of turns until an end-of-game determination, said moves creatingin some cases conflict situations, where the extent of the movement andthe resolution of the conflict situations are determined by the enhancedattributes of each card, and counting the total points remaining to eachplayer at the end-of-game determination, and determining the winner ofthe game based on the total points remaining.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the cards have an erasable coating allowing multiple uses. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein each card comprises a plurality ofsub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on which the identification of acharacter/creature type; the base point value of the character/creaturetype; the base number of life units for the character/creature; and thebase set of statistics for the character/creature type for a pluralityof attributes, and at least one enhancement sub-sheet on whichindications of enhancement to one or more of the attributes, and thepoint cost for each enhancement are printed.
 11. A method of playing arole-playing game comprising the steps of: providing each player with agame card having printed thereon: (a) an identification of acharacter/creature type being role-played by the player; (b) a basepoint value of the character/creature type; (c) a base number of lifeunits for the character/creature; (d) a base set of statistics for thecharacter/creature type for a plurality of attributes; (e) a space forreceiving added indications of enhancement to one or more of theattributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and (f) a place forreceiving an added indication of the total point value of thecharacter/creature, said total point value being equal to the base pointvalue plus the point costs for any enhancement; providing the gamemaster with a set of challenge cards reflecting challenges that may beencountered in the role playing game, each challenge card having printedthereon: (i) an identification of a challenge; (ii) a base point valueof the challenge; (iii) a base number of life units for the challenge;(iv) a base set of statistics for the challenge one or more attributes;(v) a space for receiving added indications of enhancement to one ormore of the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement; and(vi) a place for receiving an added indication of the total point valueof the challenge, said total point value being equal to the base pointvalue plus the point costs for any enhancement; maintaining a record ofthe status and the enhancements of the characters/creatures on the gamecards as the game is played; choosing challenges from the set ofchallenge cards when the game design calls for a challenge; andrecording the status of each challenge chosen on the challenge cards asthe game progresses.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each cardcomprises a plurality of sub-sheets, including a top-sub sheet on whichthe identification of a character/creature type; the base point value ofthe character/creature type; the base number of life units for thecharacter/creature; and the base set of statistics for thecharacter/creature type for a plurality of attributes, and at least oneenhancement sub-sheet on which indications of enhancement to one or moreof the attributes, and the point cost for each enhancement are printed.